08-07-2003, 02:08 AM
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Burr. Nelly Isler 'Swiss Beauty'
(David Dunn) wrote in message . com...
Hello, I just purchased a Burr. Nelly Isler (I havn't received it
yet), and would like to hear from people with personal experience,
tips, likes/dislikes, etc. I'd just like to get everyones opinion on
this particular orchid.
Good Growing,
-David
Hi David, You have ordered a great one!!! I have grown---maybe 500 of
them--it's hard to keep track as I sell them like hot cakes. I have
found that it is the fastest growing oncidiinae I have ( and I have at
least 150 different varieties). We specialize in them (oncidiinae) and
breed them. I originally bought them to breed with. (it is the only
TRUE red in intergenerics)--bad news is it is a very reluctant
breeder. But it grows like a weed. It does have it's peculiarities. In
cold weather (I'm in Florida so we don't get much)the flowers are
redder. In warm weather, the plant grows well but flowers are not as
large, or as red. But as the plant matures, the flowers get larger--up
to double in size and solid red--I mean VERY RED!!. I have found (with
all intergenerics) the smaller the pot -the better they grow- 4" pot
should be good for what's out there now--some folks will up--pot them
to make them look more expensive--don't do it!!! Oncidiinae like to be
pot bound--overgrown is even better. They also like to stay MOIST--NOT
WET--but moist. We grow in 1/8 to 1/4" cocoanut chips mixed equally
with perlite--and water twice a week--sometimes every other day in
very hot weather--planted in Sphagnum--I'd get it out--too hard to
control water unless it is loosly planted. We give them a teaspoon of
nutricoat when repotting then spray with Peters 20-20-20. We do that
every week at 1/4 strength. At least that's the plan--we do 25 shows a
year so there isn't always time to keep up with the fertilizing
schedule--so if we miss a week we double up next time & I have gone a
full month between fertigations--in which case we go full strength. I
hope this has helped you--OH 50% shade & maybe even more shade in very
hot weather. If I can help you after you get the plant--just holler!
Bill
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